Big changes come to fair board

STACY LANGLEY, Tribune Staff Writer

Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, November 11, 2009

BAD AXE — The Huron Community Fair Board and its stockholders met Wednesday night at the Huron Expo Center to discuss plans for the 2010 county fair, but the biggest surprise of the night came when three new board members where chosen to serve.

The three-year terms for board members Dennis Engelhardt, Richard V. Stokan and Robert Oeschger had expired.

Engelhardt, who served the fair board for six years, announced prior to the vote Wednesday he would not seek another term. He had been nominated for the board by the late Bud Decker, a longtime fair board member.

Engelhardt said he’s enjoyed being on the fair board, but felt it was time to call it quits.

“I decided last year that it would be my last year,” he said. “Being on the board was fun. I enjoyed working with people and the kids, but I’ve decided it was enough. There’s a lot that goes into the fair. I was here three weeks before (the fair started) getting the grounds ready.”

Board member Gary Protzman said Engelhardt will be leaving “some big shoes to fill,” as Engelhardt served on the grounds committee and hiring committee.

“People have the idea the fair just happens,” said Warren Krohn, fair board member.

Both Fred Karg and Orin Engelhardt said they were sad to see Engelhardt go.

“He was the silent one who did the work and never complained,” said Karg.

Stokan, who served on the board since 1988, and Oeschger, who served for roughly 30 years, appeared somewhat surprised to lose their board seat when stockholders voted in Paul Gehring of Harbor Beach, Don Wheeler of Pigeon and Brad Polega of Unionville to replace the three board members.

“These guys (Stokan, Oeschger and Engelhardt) have worked here for years,” said Sandy Kinney, board member. “We are going to miss them. It has been them for so long. Each of them has a set role they play. Nobody has to be told what to do or even think about if something is going to get done, they just did it.”

The stockholders also thanked each of the men for their years of service and commitment to the fair.

Stokan and Oeschger said their favorite part of the fair each year is working with all the people, especially the kids.

And even though Stokan is no longer a board member, after the vote took place, he said, “I care about what happens here and I will still be a part of the fair.”

When the board members met following the vote, it was decided Orin Engelhardt will continue to serve as president, Karg will serve as vice president, Sandy Kinney will serve as secretary and Howard Jurgess as treasurer.

Other issues discussed during the meeting were how to attract more people each year to the fairgrounds — not just during fair week, but all year long.

“We lost money this year. How long are we going to do that before we change the format?” asked Clark Brock, stockholder. “I’m not second guessing anyone, just asking what do we do to survive.”

Orin Engelhardt reminded the group the big nights in the grand stands that bring spectators in are the Bulla Rama Rodeo and the tractor pull.

“If anyone has any ideas what we can do the rest of the nights, blast them out. I’d love to hear any suggestions,” said Engelhardt.

There was discussion during the meeting about bringing in Lipizzaner Stallions, a country concert, other horse events, better advertising of the grounds or hiring a property manager to promote the grounds all year long.

“Our facility is set up really nice now, especially for horses,” said Kinney.

Stockholders also discussed looking at what other county fairs, like Imlay City, are doing throughout the year to attract people. The issue of paying one price at the gate also was mentioned.

The 2010 Huron Community Fair will take place July 25 through 31.

“The pay one price (idea). We’ve tried it. Nobody wanted it. We have a big 4-H group here and the parents and grandparents like to be able to come in and see their kid with the animals. We were hit hard when we tried this,” said Orin Engelhardt.

The next meeting of the Huron Community Fair Board will be at 8 p.m. Dec. 2 in the fair office.